is a tactical multiplayer sword-fighting game developed by Puny Human that transitioned from a paid title to a free-to-play model on Steam in March 2019. It emphasizes skill-based dueling, fluid animation-driven combat, and a deep system of stances and weapon types. Overview and Gameplay Mechanics

: Focuses on "tracers" that deal more damage the longer they stay inside an opponent. Jian : Designed for aggressive, fast-paced combos. Competitive Structure and Progression

Blade Symphony is built on the Source engine and offers a stylized, third-person combat experience reminiscent of the lightsaber duels in Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast . Unlike typical fighting games that rely on complex button combos, this game focuses on movement, timing, and tactical positioning.

: Players can choose from five different blade types, each catering to different playstyles: Longsword : Balanced and versatile. Katana : High damage potential with powerful ripostes. Rapier : Excels in thrusting and quick parries.

: Players are organized into leagues (Oak, Iron, Steel, etc.) based on their ELO rating , which is calculated from match outcomes.

: The game features multiple characters, each with unique animations but identical base statistics, ensuring that victories are determined by player skill rather than character choice.

In 2019, Puny Human released the "Harmonious Prelude" update, making the game free for all. This move was intended to revitalize the player base, which had become quite small over the years. While the transition initially received some negative feedback from existing players who had paid for the game, it provided a necessary boost to server populations.

: Combat revolves around three primary stances: Fast , Balanced , and Heavy . Players can switch between these stances mid-combat to string together customized "Kata" sequences.